FAQs

1. Why should I come to Orientation? What will I really get out of it?
During the Orientation Program, you will be presented with valuable information that will help you get off to a good start at Fletcher. You will have many opportunities to get your questions answered as you become familiar with Tufts and Fletcher services. Furthermore, Orientation is the first place where you meet your classmates and have the opportunity to forge friendships that will undoubtedly last for years to come. As any current or past “Fletcherite” will confirm, your classmates are the heart of the Fletcher experience. You will learn from them in the classroom, laugh with them over lunch, and network with them for research, internships, and jobs. The Orientation program is mandatory for incoming students and we strongly advise that you attend all Orientation activities. Any inquiries about Orientation may be directed to Mary Dulatre, Interim Student Affairs Administrator.
2. By when do I have to decide on my classes? What if I change my mind?
Fletcher spring classes begin Tuesday, January 15, 2013. The deadline to make final online course enrollment selections is 12 noon, Thursday, January 24, 2013. 

There is no pre-registration at The Fletcher School. During the first week of the term students “shop” for courses (Shopping Day in the spring will take place Monday, January 14, 2013) and enroll in the courses of interest to them using the Fletcher registration system, HSF Online, when it opens for the Spring 2013 Semester online course enrollment (January 15-24).
3. How do I find out who my faculty advisor is and when can we meet?
Faculty Advisors are assigned to incoming students based on the preferences which you include with the submission of the Faculty Advisor Preferences Form (deadline to submit form: December 21). When possible, you will be assigned your first preference. On the first day of Orientation, you will receive your "Orientation Packet." The label on your Orientation Packet will list your assigned Faculty Advisor. The faculty member will have a sign-up sheet on his/her office door and you are encouraged to sign-up for an advising appointment as soon as possible.
4. What exactly is Shopping Day?
On Monday, January 14, 2013, the day before the official start of spring classes, is Shopping Day, which enables students to learn about seminar courses, courses new to the Fletcher curriculum, as well as courses taught by new full-time or adjunct instructors. Students are encouraged to review the past Evaluations of courses submitted by students, which are on file in the Reference Room of Ginn Library.
5. I am an international student-- who can I ask questions about USCIS (formerly known as either INS or BCIS) forms or any changes in visa procedures?

Carol Murphy, Fletcher’s International Students Advisor, can be reached at carol.murphy@tufts.edu or 617-627-3055.

Please be alert of Ms. Murphy’s e-mail postings to the Official Listserv* where she will notify students of changes in procedures and important deadlines.

In addition, please familiarize yourself with the Fletcher International Student Website and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Website.

* The Official listserv is an e-mail listserv for all enrolled students through which you will receive important notifications about academic announcements, deadlines, etc.
6. I am thinking about changing careers after Fletcher. What can I do now to get started?
The Office of Career Services has lots of detailed information on the Prospective Students Page of the Career Services website. If you have questions, call the Office of Career Services at 617-627-3060 or e-mail fletcherocs@tufts.edu.
7. How do I find an apartment in the area? Is there anything that will make it easier on me? What kind of references or information will landlords request that I should take with me from home?

The Housing webpage provides numerous helpful resources with apartment listings in the Somerville - Medford area. The process of renting apartments that are passed down from student to student usually is faster and friendlier. Students also find that these apartments offer lower prices than apartments found directly on the renting market. Furthermore, students may save money this way because renting by recommendation allows them to bypass real estate agents who some times charge a finder’s fee (usually one month’s rent). If you do go through an agent, keep in mind that a credit check will be performed and references will be required.

Spring Applicants:  Students interested in living in Blakeley Hall during the spring semester should contact the Resident Director at Blakeley-RD@tufts.edu—the sooner, the better.

8. I want to open a bank account. Which bank should I choose?
The University does not recommend one bank over another. There are numerous banks within a few miles of Tufts University and The Fletcher School. Please note Bank of America and Citizens Bank have ATMs (automated teller machines) on campus.
9. Whom should I consult if I have questions about my financial paperwork?
As you know, The Fletcher School is part of Tufts University. Therefore, both financial aid and student account balances are serviced in two phases and places – first Fletcher, and then Tufts University.

If you have questions regarding your Fletcher scholarship, please contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at fletcheradmissions@tufts.edu, or 617-627-3040.

If you have questions regarding loans or work-study, please contact Sheila Hoffstedt at sheila.hoffstedt@tufts.edu or 617-627-2000. Ms. Hoffstedt’s office is located in Dowling Hall, which is the building that houses Student Services Center for Tufts University.

Similarly, if you have questions regarding your Bursar’s bill, the best place to begin your research is the Fletcher Registrar’s Office (Goddard 212) via email: FletcherRegistrar@tufts.edu or 617-627-3055. Thereafter, if you still have questions, please go to the Student Services Center of Tufts University (http://uss.tufts.edu/stuServ/) in Dowling Hall.